Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli troops stationed in Syria on Tuesday following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Leaders of the rebel group in power in Syria expressed a desire to avoid conflict with Israel but demanded an end to Israeli bombings in Syria and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
The rebel group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that they do not want any conflict with Israel or any other entity and emphasized the need for Syria to be free from attacks. The group specifically called for Israel to retreat to its previous positions.
Israeli troops had entered a demilitarized zone along the Syrian border after the fall of the Assad regime to target weapons depots and prevent Hezbollah from accessing them. Israel’s actions were part of efforts to prevent Hezbollah from rearming, following a recent ceasefire agreement in Lebanon.
During his visit to Mount Hermon in Syria, Netanyahu was accompanied by military officials and expressed Israel’s commitment to maintaining a presence in the region for an indefinite period. The Israeli government also approved a plan to increase the population of the Golan Heights, a disputed territory annexed by Israel.
Israel’s operations in Syria also have implications for American interests, with the mother of American reporter Austin Tice urging Netanyahu to avoid bombing a prison near Damascus where her son may be held captive. Israeli authorities are reportedly working with American counterparts to locate and free Americans held in Syria.
There were reports of Israeli efforts to locate the grave of Eli Cohen, a spy executed by Syria in 1965, but Israeli army officials denied the claims.
Overall, Netanyahu’s visit to Syria and Israel’s military actions in the region reflect the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East.
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